I believe in a lot of things, but one thing I don’t believe in is settling. Whether you are settling for a relationship that doesn’t meet your needs, a job that doesn’t light up your soul or a lifestyle that doesn’t inspire you, I believe you were meant for more.
Here are six reasons you’re settling for a lacklustre life, but more importantly what to do about it starting now.
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1. Everyone’s doing it… right?
We’ve been taught that work isn’t supposed to be fun, that marriage is hard, and that life is about making the best of the cards you are dealt. Somehow we have created a society of settlers complaining about our lives and accepting that this is just how things are. Wearing stress and overwhelm as badges of honour we connect with other people just like us and we come to believe-this is life.
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2. My life is OK. Who am I to want more?
Depending on how you were raised, you may think it’s selfish to want more than you have. You think that by having more money or wanting more happiness and joy in your life that you’re just being greedy. You may even believe that by having more for yourself, you are taking away from those who are worse off than you. You think to yourself: “I should just be happy with what I’ve got.”
3. You fear the unknown.
While your life may be a bit lackluster overall, you find comfort in the monotony. Reaching for bigger and better things that you truly desire could lead you to experiences that are far outside your comfort zone and it’s scary. Instead of feeling the fear and doing it anyway, you settle for less because it feels safe.
To give you a boost to reach out of your comfort zone, check out some of these motivational quotes (post continues after gallery).
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4. You think it’s too late to change.
You’ve invested so much time and effort in this life, that you can’t fathom making a change this late in the game. How would you start? What would you lose? What if you fail? These questions float through your mind and instead of imagining the best possible outcome, you allow your fear to overpower your desire and you succumb to the realization that…this is it.
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5. You’re bound by your current reality.
Every choice you make is based on your current reality and you are stuck in that story. In your mind there is no other way. You work, you pay bills, and you take care of your family, but there is no room for anything outside of that. What you see is what you get and you are stuck in a constant cycle of the same lackluster experiences day in and day out. Simply put, you’re stuck in a rut and can’t get out.
6. You've forgotten what it feels like to dream.
When you were younger, you thought anything was possible, but as an adult you've let go of the wonder and magic of life and focus solely on what is directly in front of you. You don't even remember what it feels like to be inspired anymore. You've let your logical mind guide you to merely surviving and you simply don't have time for pie in the sky dreams because you live in reality.
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Life is about connection, expansion, joy, abundance, and love. It's about fulfilling our calling and becoming more of our true selves and I assure you, you were meant for more than the lackluster life you have been living. It's time to shake things up starting now.
It's about time you:
Dream again
Get out of your head and into your heart. What do you truly want your life to become? If money weren't an issue what would you do? Think about how you want your life to feel. If not lackluster than what? Fulfilling? Inspired? Joyful? Abundant? Get in touch with your heart's desires and let them lead the way.
Expand your network
The world is full of people living the dream doing what they love and it's time for you to connect with more people like that. Join groups, classes, meet ups and the like to expand your network. Inspiration is contagious and it will easily liven up your life.
Get out of your comfort zone
Everything you desire lies just outside your comfort zone and in order to get it, you are going to have to take the leap. Make a commitment to yourself to do something that stretches you a bit and don't be afraid to keep reaching. The more you are willing to do that, the better your life will become.
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Give yourself permission to do what you love
We are so bound by what we have to do that we often don't give ourselves time to do what we love. Give yourself permission to do what you love simply because you love it. Life is meant to be enjoyed, so make the most of it.
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What is one thing you are willing to do today to shake things up in your life?
Lamisha Serf-Walls is a life coach for women who are ready to live an amazing life on their own terms, but feel held-back and frustrated in how to make that happen. Her mission is to create a community of empowered, free flowing, lovers of life who live a life of freedom with ease and inspire others to do the same. You can learn more about Lamisha and what she offers by visiting her Online, on Facebook, or Twitter.
This piece was originally published on The Huffington Post.